The ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi regulates egg production via conspecific communication.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Communication between individuals of the same species is an important aspect of mating and reproduction in most animals. In simultaneously hermaphroditic species with the ability to self-fertilize, communication with conspecifics can be essential to avoid inbreeding depression. One such behavioral adaptation observed in some simultaneous hermaphrodites is gamete trading. This behavior involves individual hermaphrodites in pairs alternating between reproducing as the male and female, and, as such, necessarily requires communication and coordination between mates. Little is known about communication in ctenophores and conspecific communication has not been described in this group; however, our previous work suggested that the ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi might engage in ga

SUBMITTER: Sasson DA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5868061 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature